FDI Intelligence names Port City Colombo Best Knowledge Zone in Asia Pacific

Port City Colombo has been named the ‘Best Knowledge Zone – Asia Pacific Region’ and received a ‘Highly Commended’ recognition for sustainability in the Global Free Zones of the Year 2025 rankings by FDI Intelligence, the Financial Times’ foreign direct investment (FDI) publication.

The annual awards highlight free zones worldwide that demonstrate strong potential to attract foreign investment, foster innovation and drive sustainable economic growth. Port City Colombo’s recognition reflects its rising stature as South Asia’s premier Special Economic Zone (SEZ) and a hub for knowledge-driven industries.

“Being recognised by FDI Intelligence is a testament to the strong foundations we are building at Port City Colombo not only as a hub for international business but also as a model for sustainable, knowledge-driven urban development in the region,” said CHEC Port City Colombo Managing Director Xiong Hongfeng.

The SEZ’s award for the Asia Pacific region was based on its progressive regulatory framework, which provides an investor-friendly environment to support business growth. Judges highlighted Port City Colombo’s combination of fiscal and non-fiscal incentives, the International Alternative Dispute Resolution Centre to enhance investor confidence and its focus on developing service-oriented sectors including IT, professional services, maritime and logistics.

The Highly Commended mention for sustainability further recognised the SEZ’s environmentally conscious infrastructure planning, including green spaces, energy efficiency measures and coastal resilience initiatives.

Port City Colombo, a multi-billion-dollar FDI-funded project, is designed as a strategic gateway to South Asia, offering international-standard infrastructure, preferential tax regimes and up to 100 percent foreign ownership for businesses of strategic importance. Its long-term goal is to emulate successful models such as Dubai and Singapore while maintaining a focus on sustainable, livable urban development.

FDI Intelligence, the specialist FDI publication of the Financial Times, benchmarks free zones globally for excellence in investment promotion and sustainable economic growth.